Tribute to twins killed at Arnhem

Claude and Tom Gronert were shot dead within minutes of each other

Twin brothers from Cornwall who perished together aged 21 in the fierce fighting at Arnhem 60 years ago were remembered on Wednesday.

Claude and Thomas Gronert were with the Parachute Regiment during the ill-fated Operation Market Garden.

A wreath was laid beside their names on the war memorial at Illogan Church as the Last Post was played on a bugle.

Their younger brother Bernard, now 72, and members of the Parachute Regimental Association joined the ceremony.

'Sons of Cornwall'

The twins were both tin miners and were classed as essential workers, meaning they did not face being conscripted.

Bernard Gronert said: "They were working down South Crofty mine at the time. They just volunteered.

"My mother took it very badly. At the time we never learnt a lot about it, it was only on the 50th anniversary I went over there and learnt a lot more."

Friends and comrades attended the memorial service

It emerged the brothers died side by side, shot dead within minutes of each other.

Mr Gronert said Tom was shot first. When Claude went to his aid, he too was shot.

He said: "When they landed, the Germans came up to them. They were about to surrender but they still had their guns in their hands. When they go close, the Germans opened fire."

Tom French, chairman of the Royal Cornwall Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, said: "These are two sons of Cornwall who gave their lives for their country. We want to honour and remember them."